By Brent Lang
TheWrap
The National Society of Film Critics traveled back to the 1960s on Saturday, naming “Inside Llewyn Davis” the best film of the year, while handing out awards for its direction, cinematography and the lead performance of Oscar Issacs.
It’s a shot in the arm for the Coen Brothers and their look at the Greenwich Village folk scene after a week that saw the CBS Films drama passed over by bother the Producers Guild and the Writers Guild of America.
The film is a darkly humorous depiction of a destitute and emotionally crippled performer (Issacs) — it’s acidic stuff that isn’t to all tastes, although critics have largely embraced the picture.
In other categories, the National Society of Film Critics named Cate Blanchett as its Best Actress choice for her work as a mentally disturbed trophy wife in “Blue Jasmine.” Supporting honors were handed out to James Franco for his performance as a drug and firearms dealer in “Spring Breakers” and Jennifer Lawrence for channeling a bored New Jersey housewife in “American Hustle.”
Photos: 2014 Golden Globe nominees
The National Society of Film Critics was co-founded in 1966 by Hollis Alpert, Pauline Kael, Joe Morgenstern and Richard Schickel, the last two of whom are still members. It is made up of about 60 critics from around the country, most from significant publications, and began handing out awards the year it was formed.
